Strong, conductive carbon nanotube fibers as efficient hole collectors

Nanoscale Res Lett. 2012 Feb 17;7(1):137. doi: 10.1186/1556-276X-7-137.

Abstract

We present the photovoltaic properties of heterojunctions made from single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) fibers and n-type silicon wafers. The use of the opaque SWNT fiber allows photo-generated holes to transport along the axis direction of the fiber. The heterojunction solar cells show conversion efficiencies of up to 3.1% (actual) and 10.6% (nominal) at AM1.5 condition. In addition, the use of strong, environmentally benign carbon nanotube fibers provides excellent structural stability of the photovoltaic devices.